Getting a Social Security Number (SSN)

A Social Security Number (SSN) is a nine-digit identifier issued by the U.S. Social Security Administration. For most foreigners working legally in the United States, it is essential to getting paid, opening bank accounts, building a credit history, and filing taxes. If you are authorized to work, you are entitled to one; if you are not eligible, an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) issued by the IRS lets you file taxes and use some financial services.

Who Is Eligible for an SSN?

The basic rule is simple: if you have permission from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to work in the United States, you are eligible to apply for an SSN. This includes foreign workers on any visa that grants work authorization, such as H-1B, L-1, E-2, TN, O-1, J-1, or similar visas. If you are an international student and have been approved for Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT), you are also eligible.

Green card holders (lawful permanent residents) and those who have filed an application for work authorization and received an Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766, also called an EAD or work permit) can apply for an SSN. Even if you are still waiting for your work permit to arrive in the mail, you cannot apply until you hold the actual document in hand.

If you are lawfully present in the United States but not authorized to work—for example, you are a dependent on a J-2 visa without an EAD, or an F-2 family member of a student—you may be able to apply for an SSN for non-work reasons in some cases. However, this is rare and requires proof that a government agency needs you to have one. If you have no work authorization at all, you will not qualify for an SSN. In that situation, you may be eligible for an ITIN instead.

How to Apply for an SSN

Step 1: Wait and Gather Your Documents

Do not apply for an SSN immediately upon arrival in the United States. The Social Security Administration recommends waiting at least ten days after you arrive so that the Department of Homeland Security has time to update its records. Gather all original documents or certified copies—no photocopies or notarized copies are accepted.

You will need to prove three things: your identity, your age, and your work authorization status. For identity, bring your valid foreign passport. For age, bring your birth certificate, or if you cannot obtain one within 10 business days, your passport will do. For work authorization, bring the immigration document that shows you are allowed to work.

Step 2: Understand What Documents to Bring

As a foreign worker, the Social Security Administration needs to see at least two separate original documents or certified copies. Common combinations include:

• Your valid foreign passport plus your Form I-766 (Employment Authorization Document/EAD)
• Your valid foreign passport with an admission stamp showing your visa class and that it permits work, plus your birth certificate or passport
• Your Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) or electronic I-94 printout plus your passport
• Your green card (Form I-551, Lawful Permanent Resident Card) plus your passport

The exact documents you bring depend on your immigration status. If you are a J-1 or J-2 exchange visitor, bring your DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status) as well. All documents must be current and not expired. Do not bring receipts showing you applied for a document—only the actual document will be accepted.

Step 3: Apply at a Local Social Security Office

You must apply in person. Visit the Social Security Administration website at www.ssa.gov and use the Field Office Locator to find the office nearest to you. Alternatively, call 1-800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Many offices now let you schedule an appointment online before you visit, which can save time.

Complete Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card). You can download and fill it out before you go, or staff at the office will help you complete it. The form is straightforward and takes about 15 minutes to fill. There is no fee to apply for an SSN.

Step 4: Receive Your Card

After you submit your application and documents, the Social Security Administration must verify your immigration status with the Department of Homeland Security. Most applications are verified quickly, but if there is a delay, the process may take several weeks. Once verification is complete, your card will be mailed to you. Typically, you should receive it within 14 days of submitting your complete application, though it may take up to four weeks if there are any delays in the DHS verification process.

If You Are Not Eligible for an SSN: Getting an ITIN

An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is a nine-digit tax identification number issued by the Internal Revenue Service for people who need to file taxes but do not have and are not eligible for an SSN. It is a tool for tax compliance, not work authorization. An ITIN holder cannot legally work in the United States, cannot sponsor family members, and cannot claim Social Security benefits. However, it does allow you to file taxes and, in some cases, open a bank account.

You may need an ITIN if you are an international student receiving a taxable scholarship or fellowship (not a wage), a dependent family member who must file a joint tax return with your U.S. citizen spouse, a nonresident alien with U.S.-source income, or someone from a country with a tax treaty with the United States who wants to claim a lower withholding rate. ITINs always begin with the number 9 (for example, 9XX-XX-XXXX).

How to Apply for an ITIN

To apply for an ITIN, you must complete IRS Form W-7 (Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) and submit it with a completed federal tax return (Form 1040 or Form 1040-NR for nonresident aliens). You must also submit proof of your identity and foreign status, such as a passport or two documents showing your identity and connection to a country outside the U.S.

You have three ways to apply for an ITIN:

• Mail your Form W-7, tax return, and documents to the IRS (address is provided in the Form W-7 instructions). Processing typically takes 7 to 14 weeks.
• Apply in person at an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center. You can make an appointment and have your documents verified on the spot, so you won't have to mail your originals.
• Use an IRS-authorized Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA). These are organizations like tax preparation firms, community nonprofits, and colleges that are trained to verify your documents and submit your application to the IRS.

Once the IRS receives your complete application package, processing usually takes 7 to 14 weeks. During tax season (January through April), it may take longer. The IRS will mail you an ITIN Assignment letter (printed on green paper) with your nine-digit ITIN.

Using Your SSN: Banking, Credit, and Taxes

Once you have your SSN, you can open a bank account, apply for a credit card, and start building a U.S. credit history. Banks and credit card companies will ask for your SSN to identify you and verify your creditworthiness. Your credit score—a number based on your payment history, amount of debt, and length of credit history—affects your ability to borrow money and the interest rates you receive. Building a good credit score takes time but is worth the effort, especially when you apply for a car loan or mortgage.

For taxes, your SSN is essential. Your employer will need it to issue you a W-2 form at the end of the year (which reports your wages) so you can file your federal and state tax returns. Self-employed workers and independent contractors receive 1099 forms instead. Failure to file taxes or to provide your SSN to your employer can result in penalties and complicate future visa applications or changes in immigration status.

Protect your SSN. Do not carry your Social Security card in your wallet or purse on a daily basis. Keep it in a safe place at home and only bring it with you when you need to show it to an employer, a bank, or a government agency. Do not share your SSN over email or with anyone unless you are certain they are legitimate. A stolen SSN can be used for identity theft, which is expensive and time-consuming to fix.

Key Takeaways

• You are eligible for an SSN if you have work authorization from the Department of Homeland Security.
• Apply at least 10 days after arriving in the U.S. at your local Social Security office; bring your passport, work authorization document, and proof of age.
• The application is free and you should receive your card within 14 days to 4 weeks.
• You do not need your SSN card in hand to start work; your employer can use a receipt letter while you wait.
• If you are not eligible for an SSN but have U.S. income, apply for an ITIN from the IRS using Form W-7.
• Guard your SSN carefully and only share it with trusted employers, banks, and government agencies.
• Your SSN is used for your entire working life in the U.S., so keep accurate records of where you used it for tax and credit purposes.